Synthesis and preliminary testing of molecular wires and devices

Presented here are several convergent synthetic routes to conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s. Some of these oligomers are free of functional groups, while others possess donor groups, acceptor groups, porphyrin interiors, and other heterocyclic interiors for various potential transmission and digital device applications. The syntheses of oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s with a variety of end groups for attachment to numerous metal probes and surfaces are presented. Some of the functionalized molecular systems showed linear, wire-like, current versus voltage (I(V)) responses, while others exhibited nonlinear I(V) curves for negative differential resistance (NDR) and molecular random access memory effects. Finally, the syntheses of functionalized oligomers are described that can form self-assembled monolayers on metallic electrodes that reduce the Schottky barriers. Information from the Schottky barrier studies can provide useful insight into molecular alligator clip optimizations for molecular electronics.